Internet Safety, Suicide and Self-Harm

Online Activity and Suicide and Self-Harm helps staff talk with people about how they use the internet when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm. It shows how online activity can offer support but may also carry risks. The programme consists of one 30-minute elearning session. 

 

Intended audience 

This session is for anyone who supports people around suicide and self-harm, including: 

• Mental health practitioners (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists, counsellors, MHSTs) 

• Education-based staff (school nurses, educational psychologists, behaviour support teams) 

• Learning disability and autism practitioners 

• Emergency care practitioners 

• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) staff 

• Social workers 

• Other professionals involved in safeguarding or wellbeing 

 

Key areas covered 

The session introduces: 

• Why it is important to ask about internet use linked to suicide and self-harm 

• How people use the internet to seek help, information or community 

• The possible risks and benefits of online content 

• How to talk with people about their online activity 

• How to support safer, more positive online experiences 

 

Learning objectives 

By the end of the session, learners will be able to: 

• Explain why internet use is important to explore when talking about suicide and self-harm 

• Describe different types of online activity and their possible risks and benefits 

• Ask safe, clear questions about internet use 

• Give advice to help people stay safe and have positive online experiences